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CELEBRATING CARICOM

SEE INSIDE: What is CARICOM DAY?

CARICOM Heads of Gov’t meeting agenda CARIFESTA XIII plans Plans to transform the regional economy Introducing Regional Integration in schools Celebrating women in development

No. 104962

MONDAY , JULY 3, 2017

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CARICOM Day

Floods lash Rupununi – several evacuated, shelters set up

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Beating the odds

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–– physically challenged students excel at Grade Six Assessments

Power plants approaching expiration Page 12

The overflowing of the banks of the Tabatinga Creek has left the savannahs and several other areas within the Region Nine community inundated (Richard Renie photo)

Henry focussed on positive change

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President uses ‘Art Diplomacy’ to sell Guyana

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

Parents do whatever it takes –– say proud mothers of Region Six top achievers By Nafeeza Yahya PARENTS make sacrifices every day for their children. “They do it so their children can have a bright future and get things we nah been get when we were

their age,” says Manachi Soami, mother of one of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)’s top ten achievers at this year’s National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA). Manachi is the mother of

Denish Somai, the aspiring lawyer whose 508 marks has earned him a place at one of the country’s top secondary schools. Words cannot describe the way she felt when she heard the good news, the

The Somai family: Denish Somai (in striped shirt) with his parents and siblings

humble mother of four said, as neither she nor her husband, who is a cane-cutter, ever attended secondary school. Noting that it is a dream of theirs to ensure that the same fate never befalls their children, Manachi said: “Me nah shame fuh tell you; meh husband ah wan cane-cutter and me does sell ah market pon a Saturday. None ah we never been ah high school; we nah get education, but we a struggle hard fuh mek ends meet fuh mek sure dem get one.” Manachi said she is currently contemplating selling daily at the market so as to ensure that her four children, aged 13, 11, seven, and three months, get all the financial support they need for their education. “Now is out-ah-crop, suh meh husband nah get regular work, and me gat fuh get school stuff fuh dem three big one fuh September, suh meh might start fuh sell every day fuh mek sure dem get everything, ‘cause he alone can’t support all awe,” she declared, her voice redolent with pride at her son’s academic achievement. For Devi Ramlochan, raising three kids on a taxi driver’s income is extremely difficult, but with her help, she and her husband have managed to make ends meet, so one can well imagine their pride at their son becoming this year’s top achiever at the NGSA in Region Six. Devi explained that when

Mathew Ramlochan and his sisters, Jamima and Dinah her husband leaves home at 06:00h every morning and returns at seven in the evening, she has to take up the role of the father as well as mother to her children so that her husband can earn enough to support them. Her role besides that of a typical housewife entails taking her son by bicycle daily to the Belvedere Primary, a journey that takes at least 40 minutes to and fro. She has to make that trip three times a day: Morning, midday and afternoon. But she does not mind, the young housewife said, as

she’s now grown accustomed to doing it. And besides, she’s come to realise the importance of having at least one parent at home to take care of their three children, aged 15, 13, and 11, hence her decision to be a stay-at-home mom. Devi said both she and her hubby were moved to tears when they got the news that their son had topped the region, because of the struggles they’ve gone through to make ends meet. But now, she’s more determined than ever to work even harder.

Beating the odds

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

–– physically challenged pupils excel at Grade Six Assessments

By Vanessa Braithwaite and Nafeeza Yahya THEY may not have been awarded places at the top secondary schools in the region, but the differently-abled children who sat the 2017 National Grade Six Examination (NGSA) deserve high praise for braving the many storms and crossing the many hurdles for their achievements. Visually-impaired Sean Carryl of the Amelia’s Ward Primary School (AWPS) in the mining town of Linden secured 418 marks at the examinations and was awarded a place at the Linden Foundation Secondary School. The 11-year-old lad made it to the end of his six- year primary stint with the memories of two surgeries, changing schools and working extra hard to make it to the end of every school day. His mother Malika Carryl told the Guyana Chronicle that Sean underwent two surgeries for cataract at age five after his sight started diminishing. Now he sees a little but only with the aid of special lenses. Sean spent the first four years of his primary school life at the Visually Impaired Unit housed at the Wismar Hill Primary School, but his mother later transferred him to AWPS. “I did a transfer because the distance was too far for him so I brought him to the Ward,” Carryl said. Now receiving an inclusive education, the challenges for Sean increased as he was unable to see anything in fine print. Note-taking and revision were very difficult with the absence of a special needs teacher at the school. Even with this, dropping out was not an option for Sean, neither his mother, and for this willing spirit, he successfully graduated from the school. ALWAYS WILLING “We tried and he is always willing; I even send him to lessons where the teacher won’t use the fine print because we didn’t want to push him, we had to ease and press,” his mom said. Notwithstanding his challenges, an ambitious Sean told the Guyana Chronicle that he was hoping to do better at the national examinations. “I don’t feel so good about it [NGSA results] but

Sean Cheryl I had to work really hard and I would like to thank my parents and teachers who were there for me,” the young man said. Like Sean, Trinity Payne of the Linden School for the Differently-Abled who lost her hearing and speech as a result of cerebral palsy was also not awarded the school she desired, but her mother Lourette Payne is proud of her little 11-year-old who resolutely braved her challenges. “It was a real challenge because I myself had to go and learn signs and so it was very challenging,” Payne said, adding that Trinity was even given extra lessons to assist her along the way. Her mother believes that Trinity could have done better if more was available for her as a special needs child. “She can do better than she is doing but she needs the support of somebody to sign for her because sometimes I don’t know to explain some things to her…. In maths, she does fairly ok but in English and so where you have to express yourself is kind of difficult, but we are still working with her,” the proud mother said. Trinity was placed third in a Signing B competition held in Georgetown last year. As she is about to commence her high school life, her mother is optimistic that things will be a little better since Trinity was placed at Harmony Secondary School where she(the mother) is a teacher. “She will get the notes and I will be able to work along with her along with the lessons that we have started, so I am looking forward for her secondary education being a little

Trinity Payne better,” Lourette said, contending that more needs to be done for the special needs children. NOT ENOUGH They parents of Sean and Trinity are of the opinion that the Ministry of Education needs to do more for children who are differently-abled and who are placed in main stream education, since the limited facilities and staffing affect their ability to realise their full potential. “I know that they are saying they are doing inclusive education, but the inclusion doesn’t really include these children, as such, they don’t have anyone signing and if you have persons at school (who) would be able to sign for them, it would be better for the children,” Lourette stressed, adding that while training in special needs is available, it is not specialised to handle the various disabilities. Similar sentiments were echoed by Malika Carryl, who said instruments such as recorders and braille devices need to be provided to the visually impaired. Linden Special Needs teacher, Shellon Swaving told this publication she agrees with the sentiments expressed by Lourette and Malika and pointed out that there is limited equipment for students with hearing impairment. In the Ancient County of Berbice, Nirmala and Nazir Husain said their son Abdel Husain, who is perhaps the first student with autism to sit the NGSA, has made them proud The young man, who attended the Albion Primary School and was diagnosed with autism at age six, scored

Abdel Husain 354 marks at the examinations. Autism, a medical condition defined as a complex neurobehavioral condition that includes impairments in social interaction and developmental language and communication skills combined with rigid, repetitive behaviour. There are not a great many cases in Guyana and identifying Abdel’s condition was a challenge, said his mom, Nirmala, who is headmistress of the Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary School. WASN’T TALKING “ A t t h re e y e a r s h e wasn’t talking and we kept wondering why, because most children start their first words before one . At around three he said his first word ‘dada;’ we still didn’t realise he had a problem. We said to ourselves he is a slow developer, so we decided to enroll him in a playschool hoping that interaction would help him develop talking, being among kids. It worked because he started picking up on words. However, we started noticing potty training was a challenge but the teachers were very understanding. Then we moved on to nursery; he spent three years there because his motor skills were poor. He wasn’t holding stuff the way he was supposed to. We took him to a pediatrician at a private hospital in Georgetown and explained to him and he told us he had dyslexia, but when I returned home, I researched the diagnosis and realised it not similar to his behaviour. It continued, he was still having difficulties

grasping stuff. He could not trace nor colour, he couldn’t do it by himself; we had to hold his hand until now we still teach him to trace,” his mother said. At aged six and after a series of tests by US specialists, it was confirmed that Abdel was autistic. Nirmala said it was the toughest news they had to accept. “We were told our child is autistic and there is not a medication to solve it, but warned as the child gets older a temper comes with it and we are beginning to see it. But also warned to avoid putting him on the medication to curtail the tantrums because of side effects,” Nirmala told this publication. Abdel’s parents are yet to decide whether to allow him to continue in the public school system or send him to a private school. “We are thinking whether to send him to a public or private school because crowd is his phobia, but my main concern is his transition; primary is one teacher, secondary is several and it would be very difficult in the secondary schools and you find also some teachers are not really equipped to deal with learning disability. Somehow I feel we are lim-

ited in Guyana with children who fall under the autism spectrum; we see disability here as more physical than all these ADD syndromes,” the proud mother said. When this newspaper visited Abdel at his Manager’s compound home in Albion Estate, he was sitting on the stairs eagerly awaiting the interview. “I passed my exam,” he beamed before telling the Guyana Chronicle that “It [examination] was hard but I passed. I get to go to a new school but I will miss my teacher and my friends.” An aspiring astronaut, the young man said he loves singing and plans to participate in swimming classes so that he can swim in the pool in the estate’s compound. “I love to sing and I want to learn to swim, so I will be singing and swimming over the holidays,” he chuckled. Nirmala said the journey for them has been difficult but with the support of family, educators and friends, they have managed to pull through. She is encouraging parents to never give up on their children and to refuse to accept that a child with a disability cannot achieve an education or anything that a normal person can.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3, 2017

Trump to speak with Xi, Abe

U.S. President Donald Trump will speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday, calls t h a t c o m e a s f r u s t r ation builds in the White House over North Korea’s nuclear program and overcapacity in the steel market. The talks come ahead of meetings he will hold

with both leaders on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7-8 where trade practices are expected to be high on the agenda. Trump, who pledged a hard line on trade during his campaign for office, has been weighing new quotas or tariffs on steel imports for national security reasons and plans

to discuss his concerns at the G20. The White House said the phone calls were scheduled starting at 8 p.m. EDT (0000 GMT Monday). Trump, who met with Xi in April in Florida, had said he was willing to work with China on trade issues but wanted to see Beijing use its economic leverage to force North

Korea to scale back its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, which are a threat to the United States and allies South Korea and Japan. But Trump has become frustrated that China has not done more to pressure Pyongyang, and has been considering moving ahead on trade actions. Trump also called for a determined response to

North Korea after talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday in Washington. North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Pyongyang defends its weapons programs as necessary to counter U.S. hostility and regularly threatens to

destroy the United States. (Reuters) Photo saved as Trump Caption: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland as he returns back from Bedminster, New Jersey to participate in the Celebrate Freedom Rally in Washington, July 1, 2017 (REUTERS/Yuri Gripas)

U.S. warship in operation near disputed island in South China Sea A U.S. warship sailed near a disputed island in the South China Sea claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam on Sunday in an operation meant to challenge the competing claims of all three nations, a U.S. Defense Department official said. The USS Stethem, a guided-missile destroyer, sailed within 12 nautical miles of Triton Island, part of the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, the official said. The operation was first reported by Fox News on Sunday. It was the second “freedom-of-navigation operation,” or “fonop,” conducted during the presidency of Donald Trump, following a drill in late May in which a U.S. warship sailed

within 12 nautical miles of an artificial island built up by China in the South China Sea. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement the U.S. ship had made an unauthorized entry into China’s territorial waters. The operation was a “serious political and military provocation,” the statement, issued late on Sunday said, citing ministry spokesman Lu Kang. It said China had sent battle ships and fighter jets to warn off the Stethem. “China strongly urges the U.S. side to immediately stop this kind of provocative action which seriously violates China’s sovereignty and puts at risk China’s security,” Lu said. China

would take all necessary measures to defend itself, he said. Twelve nautical miles marks the territorial limits recognized internationally. Sailing within those 12 miles is meant to show that the United States does not recognize territorial claims there. “Unlike in the Spratlys, where China has created new artificial territory in the last several years, it has effectively controlled the Paracels since 1974,” said Mira Rapp-Hooper, a South China Sea expert at the Center for a New American Security. “It claims illegal straight baselines around the Paracels, and the fonop may have been contesting these.” (Reuters)

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GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3 2017

Notorious drug kingpin caught in Brazil Brazilian police have captured a notorious drug kingpin who used plastic surgery to evade capture for almost 30 years, authorities say. Luiz Carlos da Rocha nicknamed “White Head” - is believed to be the leader of a massive cocaine empire in South America. Federal police said sentences handed down to Rocha amount to more than 50 years of prison time. Police said he was “a criminal who lived discreetly and in the shadows”. Rocha was arrested in

Sorriso, in the western state of Mato Grosso, on Saturday, a police statement said. The drug kingpin had been living in the city under the assumed name Vitor Luiz de Moraes. Agents compared old known photos of Rocha to the images of the new suspect, “and concluded that Luiz Carlos da Rocha and Vitor Luiz are the same person”. Brazilian police said his organisation was known to be violent, making use of armed escorts, armoured cars, and heavy weapons. It produced cocaine

Suitcases full of cash, a gun and other objects belonging to Rocha were found

Secrets of Aztec skull tower discovered

Tales of the tower of skulls which struck fear into the hearts of Spanish conquistadors have been passed down through the generations in Mexico. Said to be the heads of defeated warriors, contemporary accounts describe tens of thousands of skulls looming over the soldiers - a reminder of what would happen if they did not conquer territory. For the next 500 years, the skulls lay undisturbed underneath what was once the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan, but is now Mexico City. Until, that is, a group of archaeologists began the painstaking work of uncovering their secrets two years ago. What they found has shocked them, because in among the skulls of the

young men are those of women and children - bringing into question everything historians thought they knew. “We were expecting just men, obviously young men, as warriors would be, and the thing about the women and children is that you’d think they wouldn’t be going to war,” Rodrigo Bolanos, a biological anthropologist investigating the find, told news agency Reuters. “Something is happening that we have no record of, and this is really new, a first.” So far, archaeologists have found 676 skulls in a site next to Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral, which was built over the Templo Mayor, one of the most important Aztec temples.

Its base has yet to be uncovered, and it is thought many more skulls will be found. They are believed to form part of the Huey Tzompantli, a skull rack some 60 metres (200ft) in diameter which stood on the corner of the chapel of Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of the sun, war and human sacrifice. Archaeologists have no doubt it is one of the racks, or tzompantli, described by soldier Andres de Tapia, who accompanied Hernan Cortes in the 1521 conquest of Mexico. Cortes landed at Veracruz, on Mexico’s east coast, in 1519. Two years later, allied with other native forces, Cortes’ men captured the Aztec capital. (BBC)

The skulls were first discovered in 2015

in Bolivia, Peru and Colombia, before shipping it through an elaborate logis-

tics system to Europe and the United States. Luiz Carlos da Rocha

is also accused of being one of the main providers of cocaine to criminal organisations within Brazil, in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In total, police estimate his empire produced some five tonnes of cocaine each month. Operation Spectrum the name given to the sting - also seized some US$10m (£7.6m) worth of criminal assets, including farms, other real estate, luxury vehicles and aircraft. Officers believe Rocha’s wealth is closer to $100m, and say they will seek to seize the rest of his assets in the second phase of the operation. (BBC)

Editorial

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3, 2017

CARICOM and Regional Integration

TODAY, Guyana and the wider Caribbean family observe the 44th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established what we know today as CARICOM. It was indeed a most significant development, coming as it did just over a decade after the demise of the West Indies Federation. The failure of the federation was a major disappointment at the time, but it did not daunt the spirits of the political actors. They quickly regrouped and founded the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) which would evolve into CARICOM. Guyana played a leading role in both CARIFTA and the founding of CARICOM. That the secretariat of the latter organisation has been housed in Guyana since its formation is tribute to the persistent commitment of successive governments to the idea and practice of integration. This is a small but important fact that should not be overlooked. Guyana was also an early member of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and an enthusiastic proponent of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. CARICOM has a lot to be proud of over the last 44 years. Despite the inherent challenges of integration movements, our union has survived. That is in itself a towering achievement, given both the internal and external hurdles we have had to confront these past four and a half decades. Having evolved as separate nation-states that are often forced to compete against each other for markets for the same products, we have in the final analysis done a very good job at balancing

our domestic interests with the regional requirements. Today we know each other better as a Caribbean people. There is much more movement of peoples, goods and services within the Region. Indeed, CARICOM has widened to include non-English speaking countries such as Haiti and Suriname, thus broadening the base of the emerging single market. This can only serve the larger socio-economic interests of the peoples of the Region. Over the years, CARICOM, through the Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM), has been able to negotiate with our larger partners on matters of common interest to the Region. Together our voice has been stronger and our leverage has been larger. In many respects, we have been a model for others to follow on this score. While the CCJ has not yet gained favour in all our member-states, the signs in that direction have been very encouraging. We hope that in the interest of the survival of the court as a living and relevant institution that more countries quickly come on board. Already the CCJ has made some landmark rulings, which have had significant bearing on civil rights and liberties and which have consequences even for those countries that are not yet members of the court. Despite our successes, many have called for a further deepening of the movement to include closer political union. That remains a desirable dream that would require more political maturity on the part of the leaders. As we have seen in Europe, there seems to be a global nationalist wave that

Why no police statement on Leopold Street incident

Dear Superintendent Ramlakhan,

I HOPE this email finds you well. It has come to my attention via multiple social media videos that an operation was carried out by ranks of the Guyana Police Force in the Leopold Street, Werk-En-Rust area a few days ago. A youth, Akeem Rajkumar, of Leopold Street was apprehended, according to reports. The social me-

dia videos to which I refer show one officer stomping Rajkumar about his body as he sat in the middle of the street surrounded by quite a few heavily armed officers with three vehicles closing off the area. Mr Ramlakhan, it is alleged that Rajkumar was also shot during the ordeal. It is further alleged that he was shot by a police rank. What is purported to be the entire ordeal was reported

in the Kaieteur News, June 29 online edition under the headline, “Leopold St man shot while trying to disarm cop.” The article noted, “When this newspaper visited the hospital yesterday (June 28), he [Rajkumar] was being treated, under police guard...” To the best of my knowledge, no press release has been disseminated from your office to the effect of what transpired on that

day. I know the Police PR Unit is usually prompt in disseminating such information, including whether the suspect was charged, and their medical condition in the face of a shooting allegation. I, and I presume my media colleagues also, would be extremely grateful for an update on this matter. Warmest, Derwayne Wills Freelance Journalist

is threatening the spirit of integration. We in the Caribbean need to guard against that, for as small underdeveloped economies we stand to lose more from a fracturing of the integration movement. Over the last four decades, we have overcome moments of insularity which are inevitable in spaces of integration. The most vexing area of contention in this regard has to do with migration. Inevitably, countries that have done better economically have tended to frown on migration into their jurisdiction, particularly those who are migrating from the most economically challenged member-states. This of course flies in the face of CARICOM charters, bringing to the fore the tension between the national and the regional. It is an area that requires more intense work. In the final analysis, we are stronger together. In the face of a global order that is hostile to smallness, CARICOM is a beacon of hope for our Caribbean family. We have come a long way, but we have much more to do. As a Region, we survived the inhumanity of slavery and the harshness of indentureship, so surely, we can overcome the challenges of globalisation and structural adjustment. Happy CARICOM day.

Approximately $30B not $348.5B LEADER of the Opposition, Mr Bharrat Jagdeo, MP, who is currently overseas, wishes to reject as a total falsehood the contention being peddled in the media that the European Union (EU) paid to Guyana the sum of G$348.5B as compensation for the 36 per cent cut in the preferential market for sugar. In fact, the total sum paid to Guyana is approximately G$30B. Indeed, the final installment of G$5.4B, was paid to the coalition

Government in October last year. The sum of G$348.5B is over 10 times the sum actually received by Guyana. More than G$30B was spent by the PPP/C Administration on the Skeldon factory alone. The Leader of the Opposition will address this issue more expansively upon his return to Guyana later this week. Yours sincerely, Anil Nandlall Former Attorney General

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3 2017

Soil pollution comes under scrutiny

Farmers unload soil in Sri Lanka

Soil pollution, due mostly to human activities that leave excess chemicals in soils used to grow food, took centre stage at the 5th Global Soil Partnership (GSP) Plenary Assembly held at FAO headquarters last week. Excess nitrogen and trace metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury can impair plant metabolism and cut crop productivity, ultimately putting pressure on arable land. When they enter the food chain, such pollutants also pose risks to food security, water resources, rural livelihoods and human health. “Soil pollution is an emerging problem, but, because it comes in so many forms, the only way we can reduce knowledge gaps and promote sustainable soil management is to intensify global collaboration and build reliable scientific evidence,” said Ronald Vargas, a FAO soils officer and Secretary of the GSP. “Combating soil pollution and pursuing sustainable soil management is essential for addressing climate change,” said Rattan Lal, President of the International Union of Soil Sciences, in his keynote address to the Plenary Assembly. Tackling human-caused problems through sustainable practices will mean “more change will happen between now and 2050 than during the 12 millennia since the onset of agriculture,” he added. “The GSP Plenary Assembly is a unique, neutral and multi-stakeholder platform to discuss global soil issues, to learn from good practices, and to deliberate on actions to secure healthy soils for an effective provision of

ecosystem services and food for all,” said Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General, Climate and Natural Resources. “Action at the country level is the new frontier.” The Plenary Assembly endorsed three new initiatives aimed at facilitating information exchange: the Global Soil Information System; the Global Network of Soil Laboratories, set up to coordinate and standardise measurement across countries; and the International Network of Black Soils, launched to increase knowledge about the world’s most fertile agricultural soils, which are also known for their high carbon content. SOIL POLLUTION UNDER SCRUTINY Around one-third of the world’s soils are degraded, due mostly to unsustainable soil management practices. Tens of billions of tonnes of soil are lost to farming each year and one cause is soil pollution, which in some countries affects as much as one-fifth of all croplands. The term soil pollution refers to the presence in soils of chemicals that are either out of place or at higher-than-normal concentrations. Such contamination may be produced by mining and industrial activity or by sewer and waste mismanagement. In some cases, pollutants are spread over large areas by wind and rain. Agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides - and even antibiotics contained in animal manure - are also major potential pollutants and pose special challenges due to the fast-changing chemical formulas employed. Soil pollution is an insid-

ious risk because it is harder to observe than some other soil degradation processes, such as erosion. The hazards posed depend on how soil properties affect the behaviour of chemicals and the speed with which they enter ecosystems. The diversity of contaminants and soil types, and the ways they interact, make soil surveys to identify dangers difficult and expensive. GSP members endorsed the organization of a global symposium on soil contamination and pollution, to be held in April 2018, and supported global data networks for sharing information and harmonizing standards as a way of easing the burden. BLACK SOILS Although commonly referred to in national soil classifications, “black soils” are far from uniform. The new International Network of Black Soils defines them as containing at least 25 centimetres of humus and with soil organic carbon content above two per cent; by this definition they cover about 916 million hectares, or seven per cent of the world’s icefree land surface. Around one-quarter of black soils are the classic “Chernozem” type, with a humus layer of more than 1 metre; these are found in the breadbasket steppe regions of Eastern Europe and Central Asia and in the former prairies of North America. The International Network of Black Soils will promote the conservation and long-term productivity of black soils by producing analytic reports and serving as a platform for knowledge sharing and technical cooperation

Henry focussed on positive change

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

–– says not bothered or intimidated by noise or chatter By Ariana Gordon EDUCATION Minister Nicolette Henry has called on all critics to assess her by performance as she rubbished questions of her suitability for the post. Henry was first appointed two years ago by President David Granger as minister within the Ministry of Education, with specific oversight for the departments of Youth, Sport and Culture. H o w e v e r, m e r e l y weeks ago, the minister was asked to take on the senior role of Minister of Education following the reassignment of Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine to the Ministry of the Public Service, a newly established ministry. The move by the President sparked much debate on social media with many criticising Minister Henry’s management of the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary

celebrations held last year May. Despite the level of criticism, the minister told the Guyana Chronicle that she is unbothered. She asserted that she is qualified and suitable for the post after having served in senior positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA. “I have always premised my tenure in any job on performance and I want to stick with performance. I am results oriented; I have worked with the Grade Six intervention, I’ve seen results. I don’t have any message for anybody, I don’t think it is a back and forth,” said Henry. But while the minister feels it is not necessary for her to justify her suitability for the post, she said, “What I would like those people to tell me is what would be the training that is required for that position, because I

Monday July 3, 1:00 - 13:00 hrs Tuesday July 4, 2:00 - 14:00 hrs

come with advanced degrees, and I don’t know that people who are at PhD levels are second to any level in terms of intellectual capacity.” Henry has a degree in Pharmacy, while her second undergraduate and post-graduate degrees are in public health. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in the same field. “I’ve held very senior appointments and functioned well and have been the recipient of many accolades. I also function as the chair for the Global Fund at the Caribbean and the Country level and it has worked well. I’ve recently been re-elected at the country level unanimously,” the minister added. Much of the criticism thrown at Henry stems from some glitches that occurred during the hosting of the country’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations. However, the minister was adamant that she was asked by President Granger to manage the celebration after he had appointed another minister prior. “I have never said this publicly, but I probably should say it now. In serving as the minister with responsibility for Guyana’s 50th independence anniversary, I was only assigned after the President had tasked a previous minister and then I came in at the back end. And notwithstanding the critics, if we didn’t have Nicolette Henry, guess what, it would not have happened,” said the former army officer who hails from New Amsterdam. TECHNICAL CAPACITY The former public health specialist for the CDC told the Guyana Chronicle that she was considered for a post within the APNU+AFC administration because of her technical capacity and noted that her “Biggest reason for working

with the government is because I believe I have the type of expertise that is required to move Guyana forward.” She said she entered politics at a time when there was a need for change and based on the success she has had internationally, she felt she could contribute significantly. “I felt that if I could replicate or bring some of that to bear, we would begin to see results in the areas I would be responsible for and contribute in large ways.” That aside, Henry said she believes a great deal in service to country and noted that her efforts to give back to Guyana started before she turned 25 years old. The minister explained that she was commanding and serving her country in uniform, a task she considers to be “the ultimate service.” Her roles have not changed her from her humble beginning and noted that “I have always had my feet on the ground and my head not quite in the air, but I have been working quietly trying to move things forward. I believe in results speaking rather than you beginning to get up and say what you do…your programmes should be able to speak for themselves and demonstrate progress or lack of, so that you can take the appropriate steps to move them forward if needs be.” Guyana, she said, needs solid programmes and intervention and given her expertise globally, she believed that she could give back to her own country to ensure that they become a reality. FOR FREE ANY DAY “I would do it for my country free any day and I believe it is about service,” remarked Henry, who said she was pleased to have led the Departments of Youth, Sport and Culture as well as being able to manage the 50th Inde-

pendence Anniversary celebrations, which allowed her to operate from a programmatic and project perspective. “We’ve had a very short timeline to get that done and limited financial and human resource and we were able to complete each and every one of the events and the deliverables we set out to. Even in the face of negative press and criticisms, we were able to execute 130 events. I did receive a plethora of compliments, particularly from the international and diplomatic community,” she said of the country’s jubilee celebrations. The Minister of Education was quick to note that all she has achieved over the two years cannot be looked at in isolation from her staff, many of whom she said are committed, “notwithstanding all the mischief around us.” Prior to being appointed Minister in the APNU+AFC administration, Henry served as an officer commanding the medical corps of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). In 2005, she was appointed programme development specialist with the CDC which looked at a heavily funded programme called the Rapid Strengthening of Blood Transfusion Services. Under that portfolio, she was responsible for providing programmatic oversight for the about US$2B project. Some two years after, Henry became a public health specialist. She was responsible for the adolescent programmes, safe water, the Ambassador’s Grant, the prevention of motherto-child transmission and HIV prevention and served as the technical lead on gender issues, which placed emphasis on male medical circumcision and the gamut of prevention issues which affected public health from an HIV perspective. In November 2014, Henry opted to serve as an international consultant for eight Non-Governmental Organisations

Education Minister Nicolette Henry (NGOs) through a U.S. government-funded project where she looked at the transition of programmes from donor funding to local funding and sustainability. As a consultant for the NGOs, she participated in meetings, conferences and assignments in over 50 countries. Henry likes to be referred to as a behavioural scientist with expertise in programme management and evaluation of programmes in public health, but at the policy level which allows her to transform and transition into any other area that requires a programmatic or policy directive. “That’s my core competency,” the minister added, noting that the health and education sectors are very similar in many regards as well as culture, thereby making her transition from public health to education very easy. Additionally, Henry believes that her strong personality has presented several challenges over the years and continues to do so in her portfolio as minister. “The other challenge is that I call things as I see them; I am not afraid to call it as I see it. I am not intimidated by noise or chatter; it doesn’t intimidate me for one second,” asserted the minister.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

Floods lash Rupununi – several evacuated, shelters set up

By Ariana Gordon THE overflowing of the banks of the Tabatinga Creek has left the savannahs and several other areas within the Region Nine community inundated. The overflowing of the river banks is not a result of the rainy season, but due to the backing up of water at Rio Branco River. Region Nine Mayor Carlton Beckles told the Guyana Chronicle just after an emergency meeting Sunday night that the situation has not yet elevated to a crisis level, but noted that systems are in place to ensure residents are safe. The mayor explained that the water is rising in Tabatinga, certain parts of Lethem and Culvert City and noted that the flood is occurring in low-lying areas in close

proximity to the creek. Importantly, he noted that those residents who occupy the areas are squatters. “Most of the persons [affected] are those who would have squatted,” said Beckles, who added that the road leading to the Lethem airstrip is also flooded. Residents of Tabatinga Drive, he said, have water lodged in their backyards while in the Culvert City area, close to the Moco Moco Creek, also have a similar experience. A number of persons have relocated to their relatives’ homes as a precautionary measure until the situation returns to normalcy. “The majority of Lethem is not affected by floodwaters,” the mayor added. The Region Nine river system is integrally linked to that of Brazil and when there

is heavy rainfall in the Amazon, or even in the mountains, that water runs into the Rio Branco River. The western half of Regions Eight and Nine are drained by the bordering rivers, the Takutu and the Ireng, which flow into the Rio Branco, Brazil, and downwards to the Amazon. These river basins are over-loaded and have overflowed their banks. BACK UP “The water is backing up from the Rio Blanco… the flood has nothing to do with the rainy season in the region,” the mayor added. Meanwhile, an emergency meeting was convened with the regional chairman, deputy regional executive officer, regional health and environmental officers, the police and the Guyana De-

The part of the Lethem bridge that is under water (Richard Renie photo)

An area within Tabatinga, Region Nine, that is flooded (Richard Renie photo) fence Force, along with the disaster preparedness committee. Shelters at Arapaima Primary School, Culvert City Nursery School and the Amerindian Hostel have since been set up in the event persons are to be evacuated. Mattresses and other items have already been furnished and Radio Lethem 95.1 FM is being used to provide updates and inform residents of the location of shelters and precautionary measures. Another meeting will be held this morning at 09:00 hrs where all stakeholders will meet and assess the situation on the ground. Beckles explained that all toshaos in Region Nine have reported that farms in the savannahs are inundated. CUT OFF The satellite commu-

nities of Parishara, Nappi and Hiowa are cut off from Lethem because the access road is almost completely under water. In the interim, meals and other necessary supplies will be provided to those affected and in need. “I don’t think the situation is alarming …and I don’t foresee mass evacuation,” said the Region Nine mayor, who noted that today an assessment will be made to see how far the water has risen from last night. Vehicles have also been made available to assist with the evacuation of residents. “…from my estimation, what we see tomorrow will give an estimation how serious the situation is,” he said. The overflowing of the Tabatinga River usually occurs approximately every five years; how-

ever, the last time there was widespread flooding was 2011. “It was far [more] serious than this…” said Beckles. Meanwhile, Deputy Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Major Kester Craig, told the Guyana Chronicle that the CDC is on standby to deploy a team to Region Nine tomorrow to support the regional operation there. An aerial reconnaissance will also be done. In the interim, he said assessments are being done on the ground, and monitoring of the situation will continue overnight. Major Craig noted too that the CDC is in communication with the Regional Democratic Council and all stakeholders and advised them to activate a Regional Emergency Response Centre.

Good life vision predates political career –– President tells Ninth Annual Conference of Catholic Men’s Ministry GROWING up in pre-Independent Guyana, witnessing first-hand the struggles that came with the deplorable living conditions and watching his countrymen and women being marginalised have strengthened President David Granger’s resolve to develop policies that create an equal and socially cohesive society. The head of state shared his experience during his address at the Ninth Annual Conference of the Catholic Men’s Ministry on Saturday. “The interaction of a historical situation in the mind of an individual generates ideas. The local situation in British Guiana at the time of my birth, child-

hood and adolescence, and the circumstances under which my own family lived, engendered an attitude of solidarity and sympathy for poor people… My ideas about society, by early adolescence, had started to crystallise around the vision of a good life for everyone. I had an idea of a socially cohesive community; a moral community that was safe and secure and that offered opportunities for the improvement of everyone’s quality of life.” Born, baptised and raised as an Anglican, the President said that Christianity, which he described as two-fold; love of God and service to humanity, has and continues to influence his beliefs and values.

He told the gathering how his faith in Christ serves as a source of strength in overcoming the challenges in his life. “My faith has been my spiritual guide especially during periods of doubt and stress,” he said. Looking back at his childhood, the President reflected on how growing up in Bartica and later at Whim Village and in Georgetown not only exposed him to the cultural and ethnic diversity of the Guyanese society, but also cultivated in him, at an early age, a deep love for the country’s natural beauty. This love for the environment became even deeper during his years in military service. Today, that love and drive to protect the

President David Granger addressing the gathering at the Ninth Annual Conference of the Catholic Men’s Ministry held at Marian Academy’s auditorium country’s national patrimony has manifested itself in the ‘green’ state agenda, which is one of the major policy-decisions that the President has made.

The conference, which was held under the theme “Struggle and Victory: Climbing out of the pit”, is aimed at evangelising and encouraging Catho-

lic men to become leaders and role models to their families and in their churches and communities. (Ministry of the Presidency)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

The effects of maternal neglect and lack of nurturing PATRICIA yelled at her teenage daughter, ‘How, tell me how could this happen, I still can’t believe it…H. I. V.? Patricia was distraught not being knowledgeable about the virus, all she could see for her daughter’s future was illness and death and it pained her, the girl was still so young, not just in age but in attitude and behaviour. She started again ‘Look at big old me …34….Nothing like that ever happen to me’. The girl sat with her head bent low, her mother’s attitude wasn’t helping. Having already come to terms with the diagnosis what she needed now was support. But her mother just continued to ask irrelevant questions and express her distress and fears for the future. Patricia’s life She was just 14 years old when she started hav-

ing sex with one of the young men in the neighbourhood, he was 10 years her senior with no prospects, a local hustler. But he made sure she had food and shoes on her feet which was more than her parents ever did. She could rely on him for a little “small piece” and he could rely on her for sex. Her parents didn’t mind where she was or what she did, as long as she ‘seemed okay,’ so when she became pregnant at 16, it was looked upon as a normal chain of events and no one complained or made a fuss. Against all odds, the couple made a home for their child in a stuffy little room that had a leaky roof and plenty floodwater in the rainy season. In those early days, all she really wanted was to get away, out of that situation. She went out most Saturday nights to have fun and

forget about her troubles. Soon she had a second child and her frustration grew, she was only 18 and felt as though she was missing out on life. Her friend who was making money in one of the islands sent her a ticket to visit, so leaving the children with their father, she left. Over the years that followed she visited her children, bringing them clothes and shoes, and buying food, treats and anything they wanted, while she was around. But she never stayed long and the children were unable to bond with her. The only input to their development came from their father and aunties who lived nearby, but none were graced with the knowledge or had the time to raise the children adequately. With very little schooling and no one to give them moral guidance and

support, the children were left to their own devices, each doing ‘their own thing’ to get along in life and survive. As teenagers, they were prime examples of children who’d been nurtured by their environment, never having experienced the love, security or warmth of a family. And now this: Patricia continued, ‘Look how much shoes and clothes I buy and bring for you, you got tops, new things you never even wear, when you need money I does send’… But Patricia was missing the most important point of all: material things cannot make up for the

lack of a mother’s love and attention. All the weeks, months and years her children had spent striving and developing without her care, her interest or concern had taken its toll on their lives and she had become nothing but an onlooker in their eyes, not a confidante, a role model or even a real mother. There were occasions over the years when her children would have needed her guidance, support and encouragement, but she wasn’t there. And now all of a sudden she was disturbed by her daughter’s situation and failing to acknowledge the fact that

her absence and lack of parenting was part of the overall problem. Parents have a duty and responsibility to give their children the best upbringing possible, CHILDREN COME FIRST, remember they had no choice in the decision to be born or who their parents should be, therefore, adults must do right by them , THEIR FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS. You can call the Childcare and Protection Agency’s hotline on 227 0709 A message from the Childcare and Protection Agency, Ministry of Social Protection

Be the engine of green growth –– Jordan urges private sector FINANCE Minister Winston Jordan said for a clean, green, sustainable economy in Guyana, the private sector has a responsibility to make this transition, possibly by changing from the traditional manner in which they conduct business. The finance minister sounded his call during the feature address at the annual Guyana Manufacturers and Services (GMSA) dinner on Thursday, at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown. He cited the examples of several companies that faced limitations such as resources, labour, and infrastructure. These companies are creatively thinking “out of the box” and making profits, he pointed out. “In this vision for a clean, green, sustainable economy in Guyana, the private sector has a responsibility to ensure that this transition takes place by introducing fundamental changes in how they conduct business,” the minister said. A new study by the World Economic Forum

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan which has identified 16 emerging-market firms that are turning eco-consciousness into a source of competitive advantage was highlighted by the minister. “These companies turn limitations into opportunities. Limitations such as resources, labour, and infrastructure motivate these companies into thinking creatively ‘out of the box’ and turning these opportunities into profit. For example, India’s Shree Cement, a company plagued with

water shortages, developed the world’s most water-efficient method for making cement, in part, by using air cooling rather than water cooling. Broad Group, a Chinese maker of air conditioners, taps waste heat from buildings to power its machines. Zangzidao Fishery Group, a Chinese aquaculture company, recycles uneaten fish feed to fertilise crops. Sekem, an Egyptian food producer, set itself the task of reclaiming desert land through organic farming.” Similarly, the minister wants the local corporate sector to look beyond the conventional business model and be innovative. “Don’t wait for the government to lead the way; you — the private sector — are the proverbial engine of growth. You should now seize the initiative to be the engine of “green growth,” Jordon said. The finance minister also highlighted that the government will continue to lead by example by creating the enabling conditions for a green economy. (GINA)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

Gov’t tests disaster preparedness plan

–– during simulation exercise in Region Seven

THE ‘structured, coherent and collaborative’ nature of Guyana’s Health Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Plan was last week put to the test and proven at Bartica, seat of administration for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). Sponsored by the Public Health Ministry, PAHO/ WHO and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the four-day simulation exercise was designed to test the Health Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Plan, which outlines its capacity to manage any disaster in the gold-mining municipality. Region Seven Chairman Mr Gordon Bradford, who lauded the initiative, remind-

that the training was much needed. Things were done in the past, but we hadn’t a functional structure in place. Now all the agencies will be able to better respond if a crisis or disaster hits the region.” She also commended the initiative as “an opening to make stakeholders understand their functions in a health situation,” as health involves everyone and not just the hospital administration. Major Sean Welcome, CDCs Preparedness and Response Manager, said the Regional Multi-Hazard Prepardness and Response Plan (RMHPRP) outlines how regional authorities and

Health workers and fire fighters respond to a ‘staged’ health emergency in Bartica ed the 25 participants during his address that “once you understand something, you are better able to respond. Your early and timely response may very well save lives or more destruction.” Stressing the pivotal role of preparedness, Bradford pointed trainees to the outcomes of catastrophic events. “For instance, when we look at flooding,” he said, “everybody thinks about rainfall and water on the land, and everyone feels that’s the end of it. But if we are not prepared, and we don’t take the correct action, the aftermath of the flood might be more devastation than the flood itself.” According to Deputy Chairman, Olinda Kyrenhoff-Griffith, “I would say

stakeholders conduct Disaster Risk Management (DRM) within their regions. The plan details all hazard/comprehensive approach to the DRM, Welcome explained. As facilitator of the exercise, Welcome said that Barticians will benefit in many ways from implementation of the plan. “Generally, it provides them a structured and coherent and collaborative framework that facilitates better and enhanced DRM in facilitating timely response, detailed and accurate damage assessment,” Welcome said, adding: “I believe I was able to achieve the objectives of the four days. The manifestation of this achievement is

the quality of inputs from the participants during the exercise; the demonstration of learning and the See page 12

Members of the facilitating and coordinating team are, from left: Devaughn Lewis, First Aid Coordinator, Guyana Red Cross Society; Abigail Liverpool, Principal Environmental Health Officer/Health Disaster Coordinator, MoPH; Dhaneshwar Deonarine, Consultant, Disaster Preparedness and Response and Smart Hospitals Initiative at PAHO; and Major Sean Welcome, Preparedness and Response Manager, Civil Defence Commission

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

Linden farmers battered by recent floods

THE recent floods that affected several communities in Linden have resulted in a significant loss of agricultural produce, leaving the few farmers on a mission to push the township as an agricultural hub to ponder their next move. Hardest hit of the many farms that were decimated by the floods were those in West Watooka, the agricultural hub of Linden, which remained under water up to

being able to feed itself. It has been noted over the years that over 70 per cent of Linden’s food consumption are imported into the town by farmers and vendors from other areas such as Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three ( West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) and Five (Mahaica-Berbice). With the plethora of trucks that enter Linden on a daily basis with fruits, vege-

One of the flooded farms at West Watooka, Linden

competition for the outsiders, since many Lindeners are now supporting their own. While Linden’s production is not where it should be, there was a significant increase not only for commercial production, but on a subsistence level, as many residents have diverted to the “green agenda” being pushed by the government. Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle was one of Linden’s main farmers, Mr Pierce Ifill, proprietor of ‘Fresh from the West’, two of the largest farms in West Watooka. Ifill said that because of the May-June rains, the farms in West Watooka were affected severely during last week, since they were completely inundated. Ifill said that in addition to the heavy rains, there are limited drains around West Watooka, and despite the fact that a few were cleaned a few months back, they are not capable of combating the floods.

last Wednesday. This development has been described as a significant setback for the town, since tremendous strides were taken earlier in the year by local farmers who were being pushed by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) to achieve the goal of Linden

MORE DRAINS “We got to get more drains around the farming area; they only have one canal, or they have to extend the small drains that they have,” Ifill said. The large-scale farmer said that while he cannot quantify his losses at this

tables and ground provisions, Linden farmers were placed at a distinct disadvantage, since many of their own people supported these outside vendors and farmers. But from the latter part of 2016 and early 2017, many local farmers have emerged and proved to be competent

A West Watooka farmer stands in his flooded farm as he ponders his next move point, his plants have been affected severely, and there will be terrible after effects from the flood which will push not only his, but the town’s agricultural production backward. “The plants will be affected severely, because when the water catches the plants, you have a problem with the plant; it doesn’t be the same again,” he explained, adding that the crops most affected were the ochroes and pakchoi. Having taken a severe beating, Ifill is now calling on the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) to utilise the excavators owned by the government

that are stationed in West Watooka to dig additional drains urgently to bring relief to the farmers in the area. “We farmers just wasting a set of money, because those plants have to be fertilised over again,” the distraught farmer said, adding: “They have to manure them up again, because we have a lot of leaks on the land, and the fertilisers washing off with the flood. “Apart from that, you have to deal with a lot of fungus problem, because when floodwater touch the plants, it gets a lot of fungus and so.” John, another West Watooka farmer who has been

affected by the floods, has lost the will to farm again. “This is not the first time for the year we get flood, and this really hurt me, because yuh trying to think positive to help out and then yuh get up and see this... Is like I just want chuck, man, because is like yuh planting to see it wash away,” the young farmer said. In addition to the many farms that were destroyed, several residents from other communities such as Speightland, not only lost crops, but livestock and cattle as well. One resident lost two pigs, while another lost as many as 100 chickens.

Power plants approaching expiration Gov’t tests disaster preparedness ... –– require significant investments to upgrade or replace

SIGNIFICANT investments will have to be made in the near future by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) to either upgrade or replace the power plants at Kingston and Garden of Eden as they approach the end of their useful lives. This is according to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Power Producers and Distribution Incorporated (PPDI) Arron Fraser in a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle. Fraser said given the fact that the four power plants located at Kingston, Vreeden-Hoop and Garden of Eden are owned by GPL, though managed and maintained by PPDI, GPL would have to effect the necessary upgrades or replacements. The Kingston Power Plant is approximately 20 years old, while the Garden of Eden Power Plant is 23 years old. The estimated useful life of these plants is 30 years. “There is a need for investments in these facilities, be it upgrade of equipment, replacement of equipment, replacement of obsolescent equipment,” Fraser told this newspaper.

He said failure to make the necessary investment within a timely manner can put the operations of PPDI at risk. “The biggest challenge that I see is for GPL to understand that some of the plants, specifically Garden of Eden and this Kingston plant are approaching the end of their useful life. So there is a real need for obsolescent management, especially in the older plants, Garden of Eden and this Kingston plant,” the PPDI CEO explained. He added: “There is need for investment now. If those investments aren’t made, then that is the biggest risk we face.” Fraser noted that GPL has been informed of the situation and has indicated that rehabilitative work would commence, but this commitment was a verbal one. “ A s w e s p e a k n o w, there isn’t that documented, signed-off commitment, but we expect that to happen soon, very soon,” the PPDI CEO said. GPL Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical) Elwyn Marshall, on Sunday told

the Guyana Chronicle that while there is no budgetary allocation for the upgrade or replacement of the two power plants this year, the company is fully aware of the ages of the Kingston and Garden of Eden power plants. He said in time to come, GPL will take the necessary action, be it to upgrade or replace the obsolescent equipment. The four power plants at Kingston, Vreed-en-Hoop and Garden of Eden are interconnected, and as such, the electricity generated is fed to the Sophia Power Station for distribution. With effect from January 1, 2017, PPDI took over the operations of Wärtsilä – a Finnish company which had been offering operational and maintenance services to GPL since 1994. At an extremely cheaper rate, PPDI, a self-sufficient, Guyanese-run company, has been offering the same services to GPL, and is expected to save the Government in excess of US$2M annually. PPDI is generating the electricity, while GPL is responsible for its distribution.

Participants and facilitators standing alongside Dr Edward Sagala, Regional Health Officer, Region Seven, at the Bartica Regional Hospital From page 11 transfer of knowledge.” Environmental Health Officer (EHO), Alicia Newton, said her department plays a vital role in sensitising the community on maintenance measures to facilitate proper sanitation at all times, especially in cases of a health emergency or disaster. Kelwya Yaw, Officer in Charge at the Bartica Fire

Station, said: “It is important that each agency understands their roles and functions, especially since some of us are first responders in a situation.” Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Edward Sagala, said the simulation exercise has better prepared the hospital administration and other stakeholders to handle emergencies and disasters. PAHO/WHO’s Disaster Preparedness and Re-

sponse and Smart Hospitals Initiative consultant, Dhaneshwar Deonarine; Abigail Liverpool, Principal Environmental Health Officer/Health Disaster Coordinator, MoPH; and Devaughn Lewis, First Aid Coordinator, Guyana Red Cross Society also formed part of the facilitating and coordinating team which travelled from Georgetown for the exercise. (MoPH Release)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

President uses ‘Art Diplomacy’ to sell Guyana

PRESIDENT David Granger has not only affirmed his commitment to the development of the arts here, but also proven his support for the arts is unwavering. Speaking briefly at the Castellani House before declaring open the 2017 edition of the Guyana Visual Arts Exhibition on Thursday, President Granger started off by making known his intention of establishing an art gallery in each of the country’s ten administrative regions, as having one alone, and in the city to boot, just wasn’t good enough. His reason for so doing, he said, is two-fold; the first of which is his cognisance that artists often get their inspiration from being in areas

with different features, as evidenced by a piece by veteran artist, Stanley Greaves called ‘Mazaruni Black Ants and Diamond’. His other reason is to afford children countrywide the opportunity of learning about our country and its culture through the arts, thereby fostering in them an appreciation for the subject. Said he: “I do hope that more Guyanese children will get a chance to see exhibitions like this… There is no reason why every region should not have a capital town, and every capital town should not have an art gallery.” The President said he’s so into the arts, he even practises what he calls ‘Art Diplomacy’, whereby he

presents artistic mementos to diplomats and other heads of state. “When I went to Barbados’ 50th Anniversary of Independence,” he said, “I presented a huge painting of the Canje Pheasant and a wooden carving by Winslow Craig... “I have been selling Guyana’s art abroad... When I went to the Bahamas earlier this year, I presented a painting of the jaguar, our National Animal. “I don’t make any bones about my patriotism and my support for the arts. If a diplomat comes to see me, he is going to get a little pottery. So I try to practise art diplomacy by putting Guyanese art into the diplomatic field.” The Guyana Visual Arts

President Granger peruses a painting while being given a tour of the exhibition by Curator (ag.) of the National Gallery of Art, Ohene Koama (left) and Chairman of the Guyana Visual Arts Competition and Exhibition, Alim Hosein (hidden from view) (Photos by Samuel Maughn)

President David Granger presenting the Guyana Visual Art Competition’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Jorge Bowenforbes at the National Cultural Centre on Thursday Competition and Exhibition Award to seasoned Guy- fine craft creation titled is a biennial event, and the anese artist, Jorge Bow- ‘Rumination III- Green next round will be held in en-Forbes. Initiative’ and Nikhil Ram2019. The President also pre- karran for his photo titled The 214 entries drawn sented all first-place prizes ‘Porknickers Picking’. from six categories (paint- for each category. The exhibition, which ing, drawing, sculpture, T h e w i n n e r s w e r e : opened on June 29 will run ceramics, fine craft and Stanley Greaves for his until August 19. According photography) in this year’s painting titled, ‘Rupununi to Chairman of the Guycompetition were judged, Agates’; Compton Babb ana Visual Arts Competiand are all on display at for his drawing titled, ‘An tion and Exhibition, Alim the National Gallery of Art, Orphan’s Dream’; Oswald Hosein, entries from this Castellani House. Hussein for his sculpture year’s competition came As patron of the compe- titled ‘Silence’; Vandyke from as far as Port Kaitition and exhibition, Pres- David for his ceramic cre- tuma and the Corentyne ident Granger presented ation titled ‘The Egyptian from artists aged 17 to the Lifetime Achievement Pot’; Michael Khan for his those in their 80s.

Music programme rolled out in Linden

By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Christian Development Foundation (CDF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Regional Democratic Council of Region 10 has launched a music and arts programme that will benefit schools and communities across Linden. The aim of the programme is to reinvigorate the music legacy that Linden had of producing excellent music from the many bands that were birthed out of the town. Musical instruments including guitars, were handed over to the several groups and overseers and trainers of the groups were given their assignments. Renowned saxophonist, Pastor Richard McDonald and other musicians have committed themselves to training the youths in the art of music. The programme will also incorporate music teachers across Linden who are also in need of training. Region 10’s music coordinator Simone King revealed that in 2015, nine primary schools commenced the

primary music programme, which has reaped many benefits since scores of students are now versed in both the practical and theoretical aspects of music. The programme also prioritises the learning of na-

tional and folk songs. “The children would have embraced the programme, it came as a breath of fresh air,” King said, adding that the region had held a regional primary and nursery choir competition.

While there are many loopholes still left in the programme, King welcomed this new initiative rolled out by the CDF, which will indeed improve music programmes in schools. Regional Chairman Renis

Morian, who is also chairman of the CDF, said the programme was made possible by the Education Ministry which donated most of the instruments, as well as Bosai Minerals Incorporated and other stakeholders in Linden.

Regional authorities and members of the CDF with the children who proudly display their guitars received from the Ministry of Education

Seeing the decline in music, Morian, who is also a musician, said this had motivated the CDF to launch the programme. “When we look at what has happened in Region 10, the loss of bands, we need to move to restore,” he said. Edgar Henry of the Guyana Cultural Association of New York encouraged the trainers to allow the children to be creative and to keep the youths involved, since youth is the time to learn. McDonald reminiscing on the way music used to be in Linden during the 1970s, also stressed that there is a rapid decline which started with a lax attitude from the musicians of today. “The thing about musicians at that time is that we were very dedicated, we were committed to playing and improving ourselves; today’s musicians are a different breed all together. We would practise late in the night to one and two in the morning,” he reminisced, speaking of the many renowned bands such as the Harvestors, Cannonballs and the Oracles.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

Zika cases on decline –– but war on mosquitoes not over, says CARPHA

CARIBBEAN Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Director, Dr. James Hospedales said even though the number of zika cases has significantly declined from the outbreak of 2016, there is still need for continued vigilance and action on mosquito borne diseases. These, he said, pose health, security, tourism and economic threats to the region. The information was released as part of an information package disseminated to member states in

responsible for its transmission,” the public health agency said. Zika has been associated with an increase in Guillian Barre syndromes (GBS) in five CARPHA member states (CMS). A zika-associated case of microcephaly has also been reported in one country. No reports of sexually transmitted Zika cases in CMS have been documented. These associated complications can have a marked impact on the people affected and their communities. “The region has seen

The region continues to struggle and fight against the Aedes aegypti mosquito responsible for its transmission observance of Caribbean Public Health Day 2017, CARPHA said in a recent statement. The package profiles zika since its arrival in CARPHA member states and addresses the epidemic and its impact on health, the economy and the tourism sector. Actions of member states and partners, new technologies and approaches, and what CARPHA is doing to help its member states, were among the areas highlighted, the public health agency stated. It said zika came on the heels of chikungunya which had affected the health and economic structure of most countries and territories within the Caribbean. In late 2015, the Caribbean confirmed its first case of the zika virus, followed by a dramatic increase in 2016. The number of laboratory requests and confirmed tests peaked in August, then began a steady decline to December, CARPHA recalled. “The zika epidemic has shown signs of a significant slow-down, and the risk to residents and visitors is deemed much lower. However, the region continues to struggle and fight against the Aedes aegypti mosquito

dengue, chikungunya, and now zika, which is transmitted by the same mosquito and the key to tackling them is prevention and control. We must continue to literally wage war on them. But we need to be smarter. We need new approaches and technologies and partners against this threat, which is present throughout most of the tropical world,” Dr Hospedales said. CARPHA revealed that its reference laboratory received thousands of requests for testing, and as of April 2017, 24 member states reported locally transmitted cases of the virus. In 2013, CARPHA declared July 2, Caribbean Public Health Day. The date also coincides with the anniversary of the official launch of the Caribbean Public Health Agency whose mandate is to prevent disease, promote and protect the health of people of the region through: monitoring health and disease spread, responding to emergencies and threats, nutrition and food security, providing laboratory services, conducting health research into priority health issues, assuring environmental health and pharmaceutical quality.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday July 3, 2017

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3, 2017

Holder takes five to keep ODI series alive NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies stunned India by 11 runs in a bizarre low-scoring encounter here Sunday to snap their losing streak and haul themselves back into the five-match series. All but written off after struggling to an inadequate 189 for nine off their 50 overs at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, the Caribbean side bounced back spectacularly to bowl the tourists out for a shocking 178 with two balls remaining. At the heart of the effort was skipper Jason Holder who snatched a career-best five for 27 while fellow fast bowler Alzarri Joseph claimed two for 46. Opener Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 60 – his fourth consecutive score over fifty – while wicketkeeper MS Dhoni chimed in with 54 but none of the other batsmen showed any enterprise. Kyle Hope and Evin Lewis had earlier both top-scored with 35 in a 57-run opening stand, while Shai Hope made 25 and Roston Chase, 24. Seamers Umesh Yadav (336) and Hardik Pandya (3-40) hurt the innings with three wickets apiece while left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up two for 31. The opening stand was a slow one requiring 87 balls and Kyle Hope had struck four boundaries in a 63-ball knock when he holed out to deep cover off Pandya in the 18th over. His opening partner Lewis followed in the 22nd over after counting two fours and two

sixes off 60 deliveries when he tugged Kuldeep to Virat Kohli at short mid-wicket at 80 for two. Shai Hope and Chase then added 41 for the third wicket in a promising stand before West Indies suffered a dramatic decline and lost six wickets for 63 runs. For the second straight innings, Chase was deceived in flight and bowled by Kuldeep in the 32nd over and Shai Hope departed to a catch at the wicket, trying to run Pandya down to third man in the 35th over. A string of soft dismissals followed. Holder (11) gloved a leg-side catch behind off Umesh in the 39 th over, Rovman Powell top-edged a swing and was caught at point for two in Umesh’s next over before Jason Mohammed (20) picked out point with Pandya in the 42nd over. Tottering on 162 for seven, West Indies then scraped together 27 runs from the last 52 balls, in a meek end to the innings. India started poorly in reply, losing three quick wickets to slump to 47 for three in the 13th over. Shikhar Dhawan (5) clipped Joseph to mid-on where Holder took a simple catch at 10 for one in the third over and captain Virat Kohli perished for three in the sixth over, top-edging a short one from Holder to be taken by wicketkeeper Shai Hope. Joseph then struck again when he had Dinesh Karthik caught at the wicket off a short ball for two, as West Indies took the initiative. Rahane and Dhoni then

came together to halt the slide in a 54-run, fourth wicket stand which saw India past the 100run mark. Right-hander Rahane faced 91 balls and struck seven fours while Dhoni uncharacteristically hit a single four in a 114-stay at the crease. Rahane completed his 18th ODI half-century in the 26th over before departing in the 31 st over, caught at the wicket sweeping at leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo and with with 15 runs added off-spinner Ashley Nurse claimed Kedar Jadjav for 10 to a catch at the wicket to leave India 116 for five in the 36th over. Dhoni and Pandya put on a valuable 43 off 57 balls for the sixth wicket which seemed to be taking India to victory before a clatter of wickets brought West Indies back into the contest. Holder yorked Pandya legstump in the 46th and in his next over had Ravi Jadeja holing out in deep for 11 at 173 for seven. India needed 16 runs from the last 12 balls and seamer Kesrick Williams, in only his second ODI, bowled a superb penultimate over which cost just two runs and delivered the wicket of Dhoni – caught at long on by Joseph. And with India requiring 14 required from the final over, Holder performed the final rites with the scalps of Umesh (0) and Mohammed Shami (1) to seal a sensational win. India lead the series 2-1 ahead of the final match at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Thursday.

Milerock batters Net Rockers 7-0 to take early lead ROUND one leaders Milerock FC continued their impressive showing with a commanding victory as they battered Net Rockers into submission.After

leading 7-0 at halftime, their opponents failed to find a team to continue in the second half in the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) / NAMILCO U-17 football championship being played at the Wisburg Secondary School ground. In fact, Net Rockers who lost their opening game could only muster seven players for the match and after referee Glen Fraser was about to resume play in the second half, they could only produce five players, forcing the game to be abandoned at that stage. By then Tyrese Lewis had rattled up a hat-trick for the Milerock team, scoring in the second, fourth and ninth min-

utes. Lorenzo Miller had a brace in the sixth and 23th minutes, while Lennox Rickards and Mario Depaz scored the other goals in the 13th and 34th minutes of the first half. In the other game played, Amelia’s Ward Panthers and Eagles United played to a 2-2 stalemate after the Ward side had taken the lead in the eight minute through Shane Jackson, and doubled it through Keshon Johnson in the 26th minute. But Eagles fought back to reduce the deficit when Dereck Kevin netted in the 56th minute and then Shaquan levelled the scores three minutes later in the 59th minute for the 2-2 draw. (Joe Chapman)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3, 2017

Women’s World Cup...

Australia and India edge closer to securing semi-final spots DEFENDING champion Australia and India overpowered New Zealand and Pakistan respectively in the matches between the neighbours to register their third

successive victories in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 on Sunday. Australia spoiled Suzie Bates’s 100th ODI by reaching the 220-run target in

the penultimate over for the loss of five wickets in Bristol, while India overcame a watchful and cautious batting display to successfully defend a modest score of 169

for nine by bowling Pakistan out for 74 to win by 95 runs in Derby. Elsewhere, England coasted to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka when it chased down a 205-run target with more than 19 overs to spare in Taunton, while South Africa dismissed the West Indies for 48 - the 17th lowest score in the history of women’s ODIs – before overhauling the target inside seven overs with all 10 wickets intact in Leicester.

If both the sides can manage a couple of more wins each, then they will be guaranteed spots in the semi-finals, irrespective of how the other matches in the group stage pan out As far as England is concerned, it too remains one of the favourites to progress to the last four stage as its remaining matches are against South Africa (5 July, Bristol), Australia (9 July, Bristol), New Zealand (12 July, Derby) and West Indies (15 July, Derby), while either

Ellyse Perry top scored for Australia with 71

After round three of seven, Australia and India are the only unbeaten sides in the tournament, while England and South Africa have won two matches apiece. New Zealand is sitting on one victory whereas Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the West Indies are still searching for their maiden wins. Australia’s remaining matches are against Pakistan (5 July, Leicester), England (9 July, Bristol), India (12 July, Bristol) and South Africa (15 July, Taunton), while India has to play Sri Lanka (5 July, Derby), South Africa (8 July, Leicester), Australia (12 July, Bristol) and New Zealand (15 July, Derby).

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New Zealand or South Africa is expected to complete the semi-final line-up. Bowlers dominated day seven of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 with India’s Ekta Bisht turning out to be the pick with figures of 10-2-18-5. South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk recorded figures of 3.2-3-0-4, her team-mate Marizanne Kapp finished with analysis of 7-2-14-4, England’s Laura Marsh finished with 10-0-45-4 and Nashra Sandhu of Pakistan’s ended up with figures of 10-1-26-4.Among the batters, Ellyse Perry of Australia, England’s duo of Heather Knight and Sarah Taylor, and New Zealand’s Race 5 White Bluff Race 6 Zartax Race 7 Group Think Race 8 Pink Princess Race 9 Sunny Puzzle English Racing Tips Pontefract 09:00 hrs Jacob’s Pillow 10:00 hrs The Feathered Nest 10:30 hrs Cornerstone Lad 11:00 hrs Acadian Angel 11:30 hrs Full Of Promise 12:00 hrs Frozon Wolverhampton

pair of Katie Perkins and Suzie Bates stroked impressive half-centuries. SCORES IN BRIEF Australia beat New Zealand by five wickets in Bristol New Zealand 219-9, 50 overs (Katie Perkins 52, Suzie Bates 51, Erin Bermingham 35, Amy Satterthwaite 21; Jess Jonassen 3-33, Megan Schutt 3-40) Australia 220-5, 48.4 overs (Ellyse Perry 71, Meg Lanning 48, Alex Blackwell 35 not out, Beth Mooney 32, Nicole Bolton 26; Anna Peterson 2-27, Amelia Karr 2-42) Player of the match – Ellyse Perry (Australia) England beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in Taunton Sri Lanka 204-8, 50 overs (Hasini Perera 46, Ama Kanchana 34 not out, Shashikala Siriwardena 33, Dilani Manodara 28, Oshadhi Ranasinghe 26; Laura Marsh 4-45; Natalie Sciver 2-32) England 206-3, 30.2 overs (Heather Knight 82, Sarah Taylor 74 not out, Lauren Winfield 26; Ama Kanchana 2-38) Player of the match – Laura Marsh (England) India beat Pakistan by 95 runs in Derby India 169-9, 50 overs (Punam Raut 47, Sushma Verma 33, Deepti Sharma 28; Nashra Sandhu 4-26, Sadia Yousuf 2-30) Pakistan 74 all out, 38.1 overs (Sana Mir 29, Nahida Khan 23; Ekta Bisht 10-218-5) Player of the match – Ekta Bisht (India) Upcoming matches: Wednesday, 5 July: England v South Africa, Bristol Sri Lanka v India, Derby Pakistan v Australia, Leicester Thursday, 6 July: New Zealand v West Indies, Taunton 09:15 hrs Debonaire David 09:45 Pearl Acclaim 10:15 hrs Silver Link 10:45 hrs Sable Island 11:15 hrs Sophisticated Heir 11:45 hrs Indomeneo 12:15 hrs Varun’s Bride Windsor 13:00 hrs Smooth Sailing 13:30 hrs Morache Mmusic 14:00 hrs Reckless Wave 14:30 hrs Intrepidly 15:00 hrs Unified 15:30 hrs Razzmatazz 16:00 hrs Jumping Jack

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3, 2017

Tour de France cycling

Kittel wins stage 2 as Froome and Thomas crash

Germany’s Julian Draxler celebrates with the trophy and teammates after winning the FIFA Confederations Cup REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Germany survive Chile onslaught to lift Confederations Cup (REUTERS)-Germany survived a whirlwind assault by Chile and capitalised on an awful mistake by the South Americans to claim a 1-0 victory in a pulsating, bad-tempered Confederations Cup final on Sunday. Germany won the title for the first time after Lars Stindl scored the only goal in the 20th minute when Chile midfielder Marcelo Diaz gave the ball away on the edge of his own area. Chile, playing with their trademark high octane style and driven forward by another relentless display by Arturo Vidal, dominated the match but were let down by

poor finishing. A dramatic game featured missed chances, defensive howlers, scuffles and two video reviews, one producing a highly controversial outcome in the second half. Chile defender Gonzalo Jara elbowed Timo Werner by the touchline and Serbian referee Milorad Mazic, alerted by the video assistants, let Jara off with a yellow card instead of a red. Shortly afterwards, Mazic turned down Chilean appeals for a penalty, stood by his original decision after another review incident and booked Eduardo Vargas for drawing an imaginary television screen.

It was a remarkable achievement for Germany to lift the trophy with a young, experimental squad, although it could also be a bad omen as no team has ever won the World Cup after winning the Confederations Cup the year before. Chile flew into the game in their inimitable style and Alexis Sanchez should have put them in front, but shot wide from close range after keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen parried Vidal’s shot. Germany struck almost immediately as Diaz lost the ball on the edge of his penalty area to Timo Werner who slipped it through for Stindl to score into

an open goal. Chile kept missing their chances, continued to look vulnerable on the break and nearly gifted Germany another goal before halftime when Jara gave the ball away in defence, but this time Claudio Bravo saved Leon Goretzka’s shot. Germany were happy to contain Chile and play on their mistakes in the second half, although they were living dangerously at times. Substitute Angelo Sagal scooped the ball over the bar from close range and Ter Stegen pushed away an Alexis Sanchez free kick in almost the last action of the game.

Aussie players to boycott ‘A’ tour of SA if MOU isn’t signed (REUTERS)-Australia’s players will boycott an “A” team tour of South Africa later this month unless a new pay deal is struck with Cricket Australia beforehand, the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) said on Sunday. An emergency meeting of players in a Sydney hotel decided that those selected for the Australia “A” tour of South Africa would gather in Brisbane on Monday but only travel if a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was agreed. The previous MoU expired at midnight on Friday, leaving around 230 leading cricketers without contracts and the fate of future tours in limbo. “They don’t intend to tour but the reality is they don’t fly out of the country until Friday,” ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson told a news conference after the meeting. “So the players are going to go into camp as planned and hopefully we can make

some progress with regards to the MoU. There would need to be a significant breakthrough on the key issue of the revenue sharing model.” Batsman Usman Khawaja, who was named as captain of the “A” squad that also included test veterans Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Agar and

told reporters. “Not to go is a sacrifice in some respects but we see the broader picture.” At the heart of the acrimonious dispute is Cricket Australia’s insistence that the two-decade-old model, under which players get a fixed percentage of revenue, should be jettisoned. CA believes the reve-

Australia `A ‘ team captain Usman Khawaja

Jackson Bird, said boycotting the tour would not be a decision taken lightly. “Hopefully something can be resolved, but if it’s not, it’s a tough decision that sort of has to be made,” he

nue-share model is unfit for modern times and is starving grass-roots cricket of funding, while players say it has underpinned the game’s growth and prosperity over the past 20 years.

The governing body later released a statement “noting” the ACA’s decision. “Australia A is a development tour which gives players an opportunity to perform at a high level,” it read. “It is therefore surprising that players would elect not to tour, however CA has never, and would never attempt to force anyone to play for an Australian team who is unwilling to do so. “CA remains ready to negotiate a new MoU and has again called on the ACA to show genuine flexibility and commence negotiations in the best interests of the players and the game.” Australia “A” are scheduled to play two four-day matches and a 50-over tri-series against India and South Africa on the tour. The senior team next play a two-Test series in Bangladesh in August and September before a one-day series in India and the Ashes against England.

GERMANY’s Marcel Kittel won a sprint finish to take the second stage of the Tour de France as Britain’s Geraint Thomas retained the yellow jersey. Defending champion Chris Froome crashed in the wet conditions 30km from the end, but finished without losing any of the advantage he gained over his rivals on stage one. Mark Cavendish was “happy” to finish fourth after a bout of glandular fever. Thomas, who crashed along with Froome, leads Stefan Kung by five seconds.

of wheels, or someone slid just a few wheels ahead of me, and at those speeds you just can’t avoid it. “I think a few of us went down but thankfully everybody’s OK and got to the finish all right without losing any time to our rivals, so that’s the main thing.” Froome remains sixth, 12 seconds behind Thomas, but crucially 35 seconds ahead of Richie Porte and 36 clear of Nairo Quintana, two of his main rivals for the overall win. Three-time champion Froome was one of a num-

Marcel Kittel has now won 10 Tour de France stages

The Welshman, who won the opening time trial on Saturday and finished in the peloton on Sunday, said: “We were all in a decent position, but a few guys came past us pretty quickly and slid and we all just went down. “We got up pretty quickly though. Anything can happen and I wouldn’t take anything for granted. Tomorrow is another day and we will be doing all we can for Froome.” Three-time champion Froome was one of a number of riders involved in the crash as the peloton came off a roundabout during the 203.5km ride from Dusseldorf to Liege, Belgium. He was paced back to the peloton by former world champion and Team Sky team-mate Michal Kwiatkowski but then immediately raised his hand, indicating to his team car that something was wrong. He lost more time changing his bike but Kwiatkowski again waited to help Froome catch up. Asked if he had injured himself, Froome replied: “No. I just lost a little bit of skin from my backside. “That’s the nature of the race. We know in slippery conditions like that, every time the race comes on there’s a big risk something could happen and today there was just a touch

ber of riders involved in the crash as the peloton came off a roundabout during the 203.5km ride from Dusseldorf to Liege, Belgium. He was paced back to the peloton by former world champion and Team Sky team-mate Michal Kwiatkowski but then immediately raised his hand, indicating to his team car that something was wrong. He lost more time changing his bike but Kwiatkowski again waited to help Froome catch up. Asked if he had injured himself, Froome replied: “No. I just lost a little bit of skin from my backside. “That’s the nature of the race. We know in slippery conditions like that, every time the race comes on there’s a big risk something could happen and today there was just a touch of wheels, or someone slid just a few wheels ahead of me, and at those speeds you just can’t avoid it. “I think a few of us went down but thankfully everybody’s OK and got to the finish all right without losing any time to our rivals, so that’s the main thing.” Froome remains sixth, 12 seconds behind Thomas, but crucially 35 seconds ahead of Richie Porte and 36 clear of Nairo Quintana, two of his main rivals for the overall win. (BBC Sport)

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3, 2017

Ex-Teacher Horn shocks Pacquiao to win WBO title

(REUTERS)-Australia’s Jeff Horn stunned Filipino Manny Pacquiao in a bloody Brisbane battle to claim a unanimous 12-round decision and win the WBO world welterweight title in front of 50,000 fans at Lang Park on Sunday. The unheralded 29-yearold former schoolteacher, who improved his record to 17-0-1, was awarded the win over the eight-division world champion by scores of 117111, 115-113 and 115-113. “I’m so happy, I can’t explain my feelings,” Horn said at ringside, before welcoming the prospect of a rematch. “I’ve just believed since I was very young that I could do this.” Pacquiao, one of the finest boxers of his generation, paid the price for a slow start and his inability to end the fight with a knockout. The 38-year-old was knocked off his stride by the aggression of the taller and heavier Australian in the early rounds but looked to have weathered the storm as the

fight wore on and Horn tired. With blood pouring from both sides of his forehead after accidental butts, the southpaw launched a fierce assault on Horn which nearly ended the contest in round nine.

Jeff Horn of Australia poses with the belt after his win over Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines. AAP/ Dave Hunt/via REUTERS

“Show me something in this round, or I’m going to stop the fight,” the referee warned the Australian. Horn, who was cut

above his right eye in round two, said he had been exhausted and rattled by the Filipino’s punches. “It was hard, hard getting through that round, hard getting hit, getting caught with a shot and then continue on,” Horn said. “(But) I was like ‘settle down everyone, I’m fine’. I was recovering pretty quickly.”

‘PEOPLE’S CHAMP’ The Australian showed remarkable powers of recuperation as he battled gamely on through the final three rounds with Pacquiao, who earned the last of his 38 knockouts in 2009, unable to capitalize on his dominance. The bout ended with the fighters in a clinch on the ropes and although Pacquiao gave a little shuffle and a grin to show he had plenty left in the tank, his fate was in the hands of the judges. “Very tough. I didn’t expect that tough,” said Pacquiao, whose record now reads 59-7-2. “It’s okay, it’s part of the game. That’s the decision of the

judges, I respect that.” Pacquiao, who had hoped for an impressive victory to fire talk of another fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr, said he would “absolutely” return for the contracted rematch against Horn.

has come out of retirement at 40 years of age for a 12-round crossover boxing match against mixed martial arts champion Conor McGregor. “This is no joke, which one does he want? The walking stick or the gloves?” the

file senator, has long been a national hero. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s spokesman, Ernesto Abella, said the loss “would not diminish the honors he bestowed to the people and to the flag”.

Jeff Horn of Australia punches Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines. AAP/Dave Hunt/via REUTERS

An emotional Horn brandished a walking stick as he also called out the undefeated Mayweather, who

Queenslander said. The loss stunned people in the Philippines, where Pacquiao, now a high-pro-

“Nothing will change: Senator Manny Pacquiao will remain our People’s Champ,” Abella said.

Windies Women flattened for 48

LEICESTER, England, (CMC) – West Indies Women were bundled out for their second lowest-ever total in One-Day Internationals as their already troubled World Cup campaign took a turn for the worst with a demoralising 10-wicket defeat to South Africa Women here Sunday. Asked to bat first at Grace Road, the Windies capitulated to 48 all out off just 25.2 overs – the sixth lowest total in a Women’s World Cup and the lowest in 20 years. Chedean Nation, batting at number four, was the only play-

er to reach double figures with 26 as the Caribbean side’s long batting line-up inexplicably fell apart in ideal conditions. Leg-spinner Dane van Niekerk (4-0) and new ball seamer Marizanne Kapp (414) wrecked the innings with four wickets apiece while fast bowler Shabnim Ismail ended with two for 16. In reply, Lizelle Lee stroked a cameo unbeaten 29 from just 16 balls as South Africa coasted to their target off a mere 38 deliveries, to post their second win and remain unbeaten from their three matches.

CRICKET QUIZ CORNER (MONDAY JULY 03, 2017) COMPLIMENTS OF THE TROPHY STALL-Bourda Market & The City Mall (Tel: 225-9230) & CUMMINGS ELECTRICAL COMPANY LTD-83 Garnett Street, Campbellville, Georgetown (Tel: 225-6158) Answers to yesterday’s quiz: (1) Australia (2) Australia won by 8 wickets (11.5 overs remaining) Today’s Quiz: (1) Who top-scored for the WI women in their first game in the current World Cup? (2) Who was the most successful WI bowler? ANSWERS IN TOMORROW’S ISSUE

In contrast, West Indies have now lost all three games and are winless on tour after also losing all five of their warm-up fixtures. The defeat was their second to the Proteas in 10 days following a similar meltdown in their official warm-up in Oakham when they were knocked over for 63. Any hopes of making amends for that performance were quickly dashed as Kapp and Ismail produced a telling burst with the new ball to rip the heart out of the West Indies batting and leave the innings in strife at 16 for five in the eighth over. Hayley Matthews, the most consistent Windies batsman so far, perished for four in the third over when she played back to one from Ismail that nipped back off the seam and was lbw with just four runs on the board. Captain Stafanie Taylor lasted just 10 balls for her four before spectacularly losing her off-stump in the fifth over to

one from Ismail that also came back. Kapp then turned the game on its head with three wickets in her fourth over, the eighth of the innings, when she sent back debutant opener Reniece Boyce (4), Kysho-

South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp would finish with 4 for 14 and the Player-ofthe-Match award

na Knight (0) and Deandra Dottin (0) in quick succession. The right-handed Boyce chipped a return catch to Kapp off the first ball over the over before Knight missed a straightish one on leg-stump and was lbw first ball. Dottin then played all around a full length delivery, the fifth of the over, and had her leg-stump uprooted. At this stage, West Indies were staring at an historic low but Nation and former skipper Merissa Aguilleira put on 22 for the sixth wicket to steer their side clear of that unwanted record. Nation faced 53 balls and struck five fours – most of them streaky shots behind the wicket – while Aguilleira spent 38 balls over her three. The partnership ended in the 20th over when Aguilleira missed an ill-advised sweep at van Niekerk and was bowled leg-stump and new batsman Shanel Daley followed without scoring in the leg-spinner’s next over, top-edging a sweep

to short backward square. Tottering on 42 for seven, there was no resistance from the Windies tail as Afy Fletcher was trapped on her crease and bowled by Kapp without scoring, Nation gifted her wicket by clipping a simple catch to short mid-wicket off van Niekerk before debutant Qiana Joseph was trapped lbw to van Niekerk also without bothering the scorers. The Windies malaise extended into their fielding effort as Taylor then put down Lee at square leg and Anisa Mohammed let off Laura Wolvaardt (19 not out) at first slip off successive deliveries from Dottin in the third over. Lee went on to stroke six fours in her knock while Wolvaardt counted three – the last of which was a delightful cover-drive off Dottin which took South Africa to victory. West Indies will take on New Zealand on Thursday in Taunton.

GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, July 3, 2017

Mekdeci, Harding, Fernandes among opening day squash winners By Tamica Garnett GUYANA’s Benjamin Mekdeci played one of the most energetic matches of the night at the squash courts of the Georgetown Club yesterday, as did Makeda Harding, who, along with Taylor Fernandes all registered wins as the action in the Junior Caribbean Squash Championships got off to a hectic start. Playing his first match of the day, Mekdeci came out swinging against Trinidad’s Nicholas Caddle to maintain his running in the boys Under- 19 category. However, not moving on in this category is Guyana’s Alexander Cheeks. Still upbeat from his five set win against USA’s Reginald Brewster earlier yesterday, Cheeks had a hard time holding things together against Jamaica’s Jonathan Walker, losing 3 – 0, in his quarter finals match at the National Racquet Centre.

Over at the Georgetown Club courts, it was obvious that Mekdeci was the better of the two players.However, Caddle was not about to go out without

Benjamin Mekdeci

a spirited fight, picking up a surprising 13 points across the match. However, the match would still end in a straight

games win for Mekdeci Despite Caddle picking up the first point in the first set, Mekdeci would gather three points before Caddle landed another, which was enough to give the Trinidadians something to cheer for. The jubilation, however, would be short-lived as Mekdeci quickly romped to another six points. Caddle finally added another point before Mekdeci wrapped up the game 9-3. For the second game, Caddle returned even more fired up and determined than ever, and it was a better set for Caddle as he traded points with Mekdeci, and had the game 2 – 2 before Mekdeci extended his lead to 5 – 2. Caddle’s increased aggression was not all good however, as an attempt to return a high lob from Mekdeci sent him crashing into the glass. Shaking it off, Caddle took his final point before Mekdeci took the game. Beginning to feel the pres-

sure, Mekdeci realised he also needed to up the ante. He took the game 3 – 0, before Caddle equalized, and then had the game 4 – 0 in his favour. But

Makeda Harding

Mekdeci was not about to go to a fourth game, pushing in several drop shots and eventually closing out the game 11 -7. “I feel like I did a good job; I went out and did what I was supposed to do, to the best of my ability. Even though I believe I played well there is always room for improvement

Baird sets new national record at National Seniors ... Caesar clocks new personal best

By Tamica Garnett GUYANA Defence Force’s Leslain Baird and CARIFTA Games gold medalist, Compton Caesar, continued their perfect stride of improvement, with Baird retuning the national men’s javelin record for the fifth time in his athletic career, while Caesar clocked a new personal best, when the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) National Seniors Championships began at the National Track and Field Centre yesterday. On a day when many of the juniors outshone the seniors, Baird stood out among the competition as he cleared 73.46m, over three metres better than the 69.97m that he

Leslain Baird

Linden’s Compton Caesar fights his way to a win in the men’s 100m

threw back in March of this year at the same venue. Though still 10m shy of the 83m needed to qualify for the IAAF World Championships, the throw is almost 10m more than the 65.32m Baird had cleared in 2013 when he broke his first record. The 30-year-old was way ahead of his competitors, with the closest competition coming from Upper Demerara’s Tremaine Beckles who toss the javelin 60.18m on his best throw. Police’s Kleon Spellen was third with a 59.47m throw. In the men’s 100m, Caesar continued his winning ways. The South American Junior gold medalist blazed to a 10.32 seconds victory of the event,

where Police’s Emmanuel Archibald grabbed the silver medal in 10.36 seconds, clearing the finishing line ahead of the G.D.F’s Rupert Perry, who clocked 10.48 seconds. Archibald did not have to settle for anything less than gold in the men’s long jump, however, after leaping to 7.53m on his best jump. G.D.F’s Lurex Stewart and Lloyd McCurdy were second and third respectively,clearing 6.83m and 6.67m, respectively. CARIFTA Games gold medalist, Chantoba Bright continued her dominance as Guyana’s best female long jumper, clearing 5.97m for gold. In the women’s 100m, GDF’s Kenisha Phillips continued her rivalry against Linden’s Onasha Rogers, and

on certain aspects. I hit a couple of errors in the last game. I wasn’t trying to give him that many points but nothing ever go as planned in this game. Just for

got the best of her this time. With a time of 11.74 seconds, Phillips trumped Roger’s 11.77 seconds. In the 400m, Police’s Alita Moore got the best of Running Brave’s Avon Samuels, clocking 55.71 seconds; Samuels crossed the line at 56.31 seconds. Junior Daniel Williams won the boys’ 400m in 48.78 seconds, taking down Running Brave’s Samuel Lynch, who completed the quarter mile in 49.50 seconds. Claudrice McKoy won the women’s 1500m in 4:45.82s, while Winston won the men’s 1500m run in 4:00.82s. He also won the men’s 10,000m in 33 minutes and 21 seconds. The National Seniors conclude today at the same venue.

Taylor Fernandes

next game I have make it a little closer to what I picture as the perfect game,” Mekdeci commented following the match.

Mekdeci may have had one of the most energetic matches, but Fernandes had one of the most laid back game of the day, hardly breaking a sweat as she disposed of Bermuda’s Madeleine Rose 11 -1, 11 – 1, 11 – 2. However, in the girls under -17 main draw, Harding almost did not make it into the semi-finals after Barbados’ Jodi Padmore-Smith was nearly more than she could handle, and was given a run in an intense five game showdown. However, a determined Harding had the ultimate victory as she closed in with an 11 – 9, 11 – 8, 6-11, 4-11, 17 – 15 win. In another Guyana-Trinidad showdown, the Guyanese Sarah Lewis defeated Jinan Al Rawi 11-4, 11-4,11-5 to make it into the quarter finals of the girls under- 17. She was next set to face off against barbados’ Meagan Best last night.

Head Coach hails Windies victory as just one step on a long road back NORTH SOUND, Antigua, (CMC) – West Indies head coach Stuart Law has hailed Sunday’s sensational win over India but cautioned it was just one step on a long road back for the embattled Caribbean side. The Windies looked down down and out when they stumbled to 189 for nine off their 50 overs batting first in the fourth One-Day International but rallied to bundle out the Indians for 178, and clinch an amazing 11-run victory. “I believe in these boys. I believe they have got the skill,” the Australian told reporters following the result at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium. “We beat Pakistan a couple of weeks ago chasing down 300 and now we’ve defended a reasonably small total against India – two of the best teams in the world we’ve gone on to beat. “I believe they’ve got the skill, I believe they’ve got the talent. If we just improve their work ethic and they’ve got to play a different game than they’re used to. As soon as we start realising that and start working towards that, I think we can start making progress.” He added: “Today is one step and it’s a big ladder for us but today is one step closer to where we want to end up. It’s a lot of hard work and we are working hard, believe me. “The people of the Caribbean probably don’t see us working as hard as we are and I just want to let them know that we

are very pleased that we’ve put a win on the board today for everybody in the region.” Entering the contest down 2-0 in the five-match series and trying to avoid yet another series defeat, West Indies produced yet another limp effort with the bat as their batsmen succumbed to a series of soft dismissals. Openers Kyle Hope and Evin Lewis top-scored with 35 but no other batsman passed 30, as the Windies innings declined dramatically from a decent position of 121 for two. Law said while it was evident the batting still needed work, he was thrilled by the way the team had rallied especially defending such a small target. “We showed tremedous fight with the ball in hand out there today,” Law pointed out. “Once again our batting [was not up to scratch]. We got off to a good start but we didn’t quite capitalise. We desperately need one of the top six or couple of the top six to go on and get big scores to alleviate the pressure that we had at the end there. “If we had 240, 250 on the board it would have made our job a lot easier but credit to the boys. The way they fought in the field. I thought the fielding was outstanding, the pressure catching towards the end was great. “I’m very happy, very proud but we’ve still got plenty of work to do but we’re definitely going to enjoy this one.” The final match of the series is set for Sabina Park in Jamiaca on Thursday.

Mekdeci, Harding, Fernandes among opening day squash winners See Page 23

Holder takes five

See Page 19

to keep ODI Player-of-the-Match Jason Holder took career-best ODI figures of five for 27.

series alive

Hassan dominates Tuner Classes

Azad Hassan leads the pack in the street tuner class during one of yesterdayâ€™s races at the second national race of champions. (Details in tomorrowâ€™s edition. (Samuel Maughn Photo)

UDFA/NAMILCO U-17 FOOTBALL

Milerock batters Net Rockers 7-0 to take early lead See Page 19

Goal scorers for Milerock FC are from left: Tyrese Lewis, Lorenzo Miller, Lennox Richards and Mario Depaz.

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MONDAY, JULY 3, 2017